AURORA, Ill., Nov. 16 (UPI) -- More than 37 million Americans plan to travel 50 or more miles from home for Thanksgiving despite higher gas prices and falling consumer confidence, AAA said.
The former American Automobile Association estimates 83 percent of all holiday travelers, about 30.8 million people, will go by motor vehicle -- up 0.7 percent from last Thanksgiving.
Gas prices nationally averaged $2.27 for a gallon of unleaded regular Wednesday, compared to $1.96 a year ago, AAA's daily Fuel Gauge Report said.
"Americans will find ways to cover the higher gas prices," said Kris Lathan, spokeswoman for AAA Chicago. "They might choose to drive a more fuel-efficient car, visit a relative who lives closer to home, or pack a lunch to eat on the road, but they'll still hit the highways by the millions."
About 4.64 million people plan to travel by air, 1.3 percent more than a year ago, and about 1.8 plan to travel by train or bus.
